LANSING, MI -- Gov. Rick Snyder recently made three new appointments and one reappointment to the state's Hispanic/Latino Commission.

Lansing police Lt. Noel Garcia is among the three newcomers the governor selected.

"I'm humbled," Garcia said. "I look forward to the opportunity as well as the challenges that this appointment will have. Clearly I cannot pass up an opportunity to be an advocate for fair treatment.

"I consider this to be an honor and I look forward to getting to work."

The 15-member Hispanic/Latino Commission, part of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, is tasked with developing a unified policy and plan of action to serve the needs of Michigan's Hispanic and Latino residents.

"I am confident these appointees will do great work promoting the diverse interests of Hispanics and Latinos in the Great Lakes State," Snyder said in a statement.

Garcia, 46, of DeWitt, has been active in raising funds for Hispanic youth scholarships as well as advocating for quality of life for all citizens whose ambitions are encumbered by obstacles.

A 23-year-veteran of the Lansing Police Department, Garcia has served as a supervisor for his department's tactical team, patrol unit, Investigations Division and Internal Affairs unit. He also has served as a community policing officer and public information officer, and is an adjunct professor at Baker College and Ferris State University's Lansing campus.